Lightweight Bunk House Options

Shorteelaw wrote:

Goldstalker wrote:

Shorteelaw wrote:

DSMC Whiz wrote:
The Lance 2185 has a full length queen and three bunks in the back. A fully loaded one has a 4,400 pound dry weight and a 6,000 max weight. I know, I just bought one. It is very bright, well-engineered and comfortable as could be.

I actually saw this one on Saturday but was shocked at how much more expensive it was than all of the other brands... by $10,000! Is that common or was it just a fluke?

Camplites are pricey as well.

Oh dang - yes it is!!! I wonder what makes them so much more?!

Why is any trailer more expensive than the others? One would hope and expect that the differences are based upon the level of design work, quality of materials, hidden benefits and overall build. I can speak to the Lance and the Camplite, as I looked at both and then decided on the Lance. Both are aluminum framed and use Azdel for the walls. The Lance uses a very light wood that they have to import from Europe, rather than Luan in their cabinets and trim. The Camplites use aluminum for their cabinets. Aluminum is more pricey, but it is also lighter and less susceptible to damage from moisture. neither camper uses steel welded frames. The Camplite is all aluminum and the Lance is huck bolted. Both campers have slides (Lance 2185 and Camplite 21BHS) and those also add to the expense. Here is where I thought that the Lance became worth more to me. For that extra money, the Lance is a true four seasons camper. All three of my tanks have ducted heating going through them, the valves are in a heated area, the windows are all double pained, there is 2" block insulation, etc. The layout with the bunk beds (3 mattresses) along the back wall was perfect for our family, I have not yet figured out how to use all of the storage space, and because of the larger slide and the position of the bunk beds, the interior felt enormous compared to the Camplite. I also got the convertible sofa, so you can easily fold the very comfortable bed mattress in half (it is hinged with cloth) and have additional seating space. I was sold on the Camplite, until I saw the Lance at the RV Show. Do yourself a favor, before spending the money, compare what you are getting. If you can go to an RV show, even if it takes several hours of drive time to get to one, do so. These are not cheap, and you want the maximum value for your money. That said, the prices that are shown are always much higher than what you can expect to get your TT for, no matter which maker you go with.